Women Who Have Sex With Women Must Be Included In Sexual, Reproductive Health, Rights Conversations

Nov 10, 2016

The Guardian: Why are we ignoring the sexual health of women who have sex with women?
Tiffany Mugo, media consultant, writer, and co-founder of HolaAfrica!

“…[Women who have sex with women (WSW)] are often left out of the safe sex narrative, which means they are frequently excluded from the sexual and reproductive health and rights agenda. In Africa, social and cultural obstacles — as well as government policies — make it extremely difficult for WSW to speak to health practitioners about sex, and to access dental dams and other means of safe sex. … The silence surrounding women who have sex with women leaves people vulnerable and at risk, and unable to fully realize their health and bodily rights. Queer women in Africa have a right to know how to stay healthy. WSW need to be a part of the sex and reproductive health and rights conversation. Despite not being as high risk as other groups, these women are still at risk, and to leave them out of the conversation is to ignore a widespread and persistent problem” (11/9).